Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

29.4.2026

Remote-controlled recovery system for the Asse II mine

Bilfinger and Fraunhofer IOSB are developing a teleoperated retrieval system on behalf of the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE) to retrieve radioactive waste from the Asse II mine. The goal is to enable the safe, precise, and efficient exposure and retrieval of the waste drums – using multifunctional work machines, modern robotics, and assistance functions for the control center.

 

19.3.2026

Hugo Geiger Prize 2025

This year’s Hugo Geiger Prize for the best doctoral theses in applied research goes to three early-career researchers from Jena and Freiburg. Jointly awarded by the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy (StMWi) and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the prize recognizes innovative solutions developed by doctoral researchers in close cooperation with a Fraunhofer institute.

Fraunhofer IOF | New laboratories and machines for high-tech research / 10.3.2026

Federal Research Minister Dorothee BĂ€r inaugurates new research building

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF inaugurated its newest research building today with a ceremony. In addition to Federal Research Minister Dorothee BĂ€r, Thuringia's Minister President Mario Voigt and other guests from politics, business, and industry took part in the celebrations. Special highlights in the new building include a new electron beam lithography facility for the production of photonic components and a ground station for satellite-based quantum communication.

 

Press release Fraunhofer ISC | Cell-based wound care material / 13.3.2026

Rocket Launch for StellarHeal – Milestone for Future Wound Care in Space Flights and on Earth

Fraunhofer discussion paper | March 2026

Design ECF and FP10 for Transformation, Not Incremental Change

Fraunhofer is once again contributing to the debate on the future European framework conditions for R&I. In addition to clear demands for investment and a portfolio approach, the paper's core element is a proposal for a governance model linking ECF and FP10. The proposal combines the funding of research and deployment holistically along the entire innovation chain in the interests of a competitive Europe.

Press release Fraunhofer IAF / 2.2.2026

EU selects SUPREME consortium to develop the union’s superconducting technology for wider industrialization

The European Union has granted EUR 25 million to the SUPREME consortium, marking a significant milestone in industrialization of superconducting quantum technologies across Europe. Together with national funding from the member states, the total funding adds up to 50 million Euros. Key objectives of the initiative include developing stable superconducting technology and giving access to it for both industry and academia. 

 

Joseph von Fraunhofer Commemorative Year under the Patronage of UNESCO

June 7, 2026, marks the 200th anniversary of Joseph von Fraunhofer’s death. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft takes this as an opportunity to honor its eponym with numerous initiatives and events. UNESCO also pays tribute to Joseph von Fraunhofer as a pioneer who bridged research and practice by declaring 2026 a commemorative year in his honor.

 

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Fraunhofer Match is the central platform for placing research requests with Fraunhofer. Our 74 Fraunhofer institutes cover all areas of applied research. You tell us about your challenge or project − and Fraunhofer Match will put you in touch with researchers who have the right expertise to help you work out solutions.

 

Fraunhofer magazine
1/2026

Cover story: Energy? Of course | and much more 

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e. V.

 

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Latest news

11.6.2026

Transferring Technology to Industry: the Key to Germany's Future

Under the theme “Fraunhofer—Transfer for Our Future,” leaders from research, industry and government gathered on the evening of June 10, 2026, at Congress Center Leipzig as part of the Fraunhofer annual assembly. The event focused on how scientific excellence can be translated more quickly and effectively into economic value, technological sovereignty and societal progress.
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10.6.2026

EOSS—A New Industrial Production System for Precision Optical Coatings

Precision optical coatings are key technologies for modern optical systems. These complex coatings impose stringent requirements for uniformity, process stability and productivity on an industrial scale. Stefan Bruns, Philipp Farr and Michael Vergöhl from the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films IST in Braunschweig have developed a unique coating technology for precision optics systems that meets these requirements and is already in use in industry. Their efforts have earned them the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for 2026.
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10.6.2026

Fast, Reliable Detection of Trace Gases by Resonant Photoacoustics

The precise measurement of trace gases plays a key role in climate protection, industrial processes and the safety of critical infrastructure. This previously required large, expensive equipment. By further developing a well-known measurement method to be suitable for industrial use, a team at the Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM has now succeeded in implementing highly sensitive gas sensor technology in a robust and compact format—at a fraction of the previous cost. Their efforts have earned the researchers the Joseph von Fraunhofer Prize for 2026.
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10.6.2026

Ferroelectric Memory—Fast, Energy-Efficient Data Storage

Energy savings, faster calculations and permanent data storage: In collaboration with GlobalFoundries, research scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems IPMS have developed a novel storage technology that meets precisely these requirements. The team has succeeded in integrating hafnium oxide-based ultra-fast ferroelectric FRAM memory into an existing industrial manufacturing technology. They have been singled out to receive the Stifterverband Science Prize Forschung im Verbund (Joint Research) for their efforts.
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